DUBAI // A man has been arrested in connection with inappropriate comments that were left on a gold and jewellery company’s social media page.
The comments were posted to Malabar Gold and Diamonds’ official Facebook page after it ran a quiz to coincide with Pakistan’s independence day.
In a statement, the firm said officers from the cyber-crime department at Dubai Police have arrested an Indian man who lives in Dubai.
Shamlal Ahamed, managing director – international operations of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, stressed the need for the public to be aware about the legalities involved when it comes to leaving comments online.
“Individuals and online groups have to practice greater caution when creating and sharing information online as they are legally liable for it.”
The contest went online on August 14, but was taken down soon after the page was “trolled” by people who left messages aimed at the Indian company.
Mr Ahamed said the company launched the contest for its GCC-based Pakistani customers after the success of a competition held for Philippines national day, but withdrew it after it was “viewed otherwise by some in the GCC and India”.
“Social media was filled with misleading information about how Malabar Gold & Diamonds was celebrating Pakistan independence day. This created confusion and fiasco in India and we withdrew the campaign online,” said Mr Ahamed.”
Members of the Indian and Pakistani communities in Dubai described the situation as “silly’ and supported Malabar Gold and its competition.
akhaishgi@thenational.ae
